2010 Lincoln MKZ: An all-new look!
You probably already know that the Lincoln MKZ is derived from the Ford Fusion, but did you know that this year’s MKZ has had a major facelift? Well, it has, and I must say it’s for the better. These changes are purely aesthetic, of course, as Lincoln already upgraded the engine a few years back. With the vehicle more efficient from a mechanical standpoint, they realized it was time to give her a boost in style and elegance.
The brand’s new signature look revolves around its new front grille, which, according to Lincoln, is designed to emulate a waterfall. And now that the MKZ has got it, it looks a lot more like other Lincolns. Add to that some more aggressive headlights, sporty chrome rims, and an entirely more graceful back end, and this vehicle’s modest beginnings seem like ancient history.
But the modifications don’t stop there! Lincoln has also made a point of seriously revamping the interior by adding both comfort and elegance. Gone is the Fusion’s dashboard spruced up with chrome accents. Today, MKZ drivers can feast their eyes on a much more graceful display, much like the one you find aboard its older sister, the MKS. What’s more, the seats now feature piping in contrasting colours, just like what you’d find in the plushest British vehicles.
Hop aboard the MKZ, and you’ll immediately appreciate the more refined ambiance and improved fit and trim. I give it full marks for the interior. If there’s a catch, however, it’s that many of the characteristics will cost you extra. If you opt to get most of them, you can easily leave the dealership driving a $50,000 MKZ. So, buyer beware of those options!
One option worth getting
One of the major advantages that the MKZ has over its Japanese rival (the Lexus ES) is the fact that it is available with AWD. Not only does this prove useful for winter driving (for obvious reasons), but it also helps eliminate torque steer. Plus, it contributes to more balanced handling, particularly on turns. If there’s one option worth shelling out for, it’s the AWD. You should know, however, that AWD leads to slightly higher fuel consumption: somewhere around 13 L/100 km.
To put its wheels into motion, the MKZ calls on a 263-hp 3.5-litre V6. Couple this engine with an automatic six-speed gearbox, and you get with spectacular performances. The manual mode, however, is totally inefficient. On the road, this translates into very fast speeds, and nervous yet reasonably manageable handling. The drive train does a great job, the steering is just firm enough and the suspension is well-calibrated. That said, the suspension is set for fairly cushy comfort, which means that you get more pronounced roll on turns that you do in other sedans, like the Cadillac CTS. Nonetheless, the balance is terrific, and I find myself enjoying the way this vehicle drives a little more every day.
Now, the last thing left on Lincoln’s to-do list is to convince the customers they lost over the years to come back. It’s a matter of getting the word out about all the work their engineers have done – not an easy task. Slowly but surely, the public’s perception of the brand is improving, but there’s still a ways to go. The one sure thing, however, is that Lincoln’s on the right track.